Dotted Ribbon Lichen

Ramalina fastigiata

The small, cup-like structures dotting its tips are called apothecia; they act as tiny fungal launchpads, releasing spores into the wind.

Scientific name: Ramalina fastigiata
Taxonomy: Fungi › Ascomycota › Lecanoromycetes › Lecanorales › Ramalinaceae › Ramalina
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: forest
Habitat: Well-lit trunks and branches of deciduous trees in open woodlands, orchards, and parklands.
Diet: Photoautotrophic; produces energy via photosynthesis using its symbiotic algal partner.
Range: Europe, North America, North Africa, Western Asia
Size: Tufts measuring 2 to 5 cm in height and width
Lifespan: 10 to 50 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Air pollution (particularly sulfur dioxide and heavy metals), habitat loss from intensive forestry, and climate change.
Safe to approach?: This species is entirely harmless to humans. You can safely observe or gently touch its paper-like lobes. Do not scrape or peel it from its host tree, as lichens grow incredibly slowly and damage can take decades to heal. Its presence is a great sign of excellent local air quality!

Ramalina fastigiata is a species of fruticose lichen in the family Ramalinaceae. It is a common species found in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Photo: rmjb, CC-BY, via iNaturalist